Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday Trusted

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Redmond, WA
Salary
$105,000–$145,000 / yr
Posted
44 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $165k
This role $125k
$94k most similar roles pay here $203k

This role pays less than 88% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$192,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $125k versus about $165k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites

Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink) joins the Starlink Space Lasers team to develop, produce, and deploy cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems. This role involves designing, validating, and operating optical systems, including laser communication terminals and imaging products for a satellite constellation. The engineer will perform technical tasks such as defining requirements for high-performance systems in harsh environments, conducting risk reduction testing, managing link budgets, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure production feasibility. Key responsibilities include leading field tests of optical experiments and investigating anomalies. Candidates should possess expertise in optics, photonics, and laser technology. Required skills include proficiency in programming languages like C++, MATLAB, or Python, along with experience using tools such as Zemax. The role addresses the technical challenge of creating reliable communication systems and next-generation star tracking for precise navigation in space environments.

What you'll do

  • Design, analyze, and validate free-space optical systems and laser communication terminals.
  • Define requirements for high-performance optical systems operating in challenging environmental conditions.
  • Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies and risk reduction testing.
  • Execute verification testing including environmental qualification, performance characterization, and fault injection.
  • Lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems.
  • Analyze test data to lead investigation and resolution of system anomalies.
  • Maintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities data.
  • Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure designs are manufacturable.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or another STEM field.
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design and testing.
  • 1+ years of experience in a programming language such as C++, MATLAB, or Python.
  • Proficiency with optical analysis tools like Zemax and competence with optical test equipment.
  • Experience in the design, integration, and testing of laser communication systems and high-reliability hardware.
  • Knowledge of free-space optical principles, fiber optics, signal integrity, and atmospheric optical effects.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and perform during extended hours or weekends as needed.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, protected refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.

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